The Yakovlev AIR-1 (VVA-3) was a 1920s Soviet two-seat light biplane, the first aircraft designed and built by Aleksandr Sergeyevich Yakovlev.[1]
| Yakovlev AIR-1 | |
|---|---|
_Yakovlev_Museum_Moscow_Sep93_1_(16965393569).jpg)
| |
| The AIR-1 at the Yakovlev Museum in Moscow | |
| Role | Two-seat biplane |
| National origin | Soviet Union |
| Manufacturer | Yakovlev |
| Designer | Aleksandr Sergeyevich Yakovlev |
| First flight | 12 May 1927 |
| Number built | 6+ |
Development
editYakovlev designed his first aircraft while working at the Zhukovsky Military Aviation Academy; the aircraft was a two-seat light biplane powered by a 60 hp (45 kW) ADC Cirrus piston engine.[1] Although the directors of the academy were opposed to the design, the aircraft was built in the Academy Club on his own time.[2] Originally designated VVA-3 (Military Aviation Academy-3) Yakovlev later redesignated it the AIR-1 in honour of Alexei Ivanovich Rykov, the country's premier (the Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars) and the president of the Osoviakihm.[2] The first flight on 12 May 1927 was flown by Yakovlev's friend J.I. Piontkovsky, who later rated the flying qualities as excellent; Piontkovsky later flew the aircraft non-stop from Sevastopol to Moscow in 15½ hours, a distance of 1240 km.[2] In 1928 Yakovlev produced an improved variant, the AIR-2; six were built between 1928 and 1931 fitted with different five-cylinder radial engines.[2] One aircraft powered by a Siemens engine was designated AIR-2S and was fitted with floats designed by V B Shavrov.[2]
Variants
edit- AIR-1
- Prototype with a 60 hp (45 kW) ADC Cirrus engine.
- AIR-2
- Improved variant fitted with either a Siemens, Walter NZ-60 or NAMI M-23 radial engine.
- AIR-2S
- AIR-2 fitted with two wooden floats.
- VVA-3
- Original designation of the AIR-1
Specifications (AIR-1)
editData from The History of Soviet Aircraft from 1918.[2]
General characteristics
- Crew: two
- Length: 6.9 m (22 ft 8 in)
- Wingspan: 8.85 m (29 ft 0 in)
- Wing area: 18.7 m2 (201 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 335 kg (739 lb)
- Gross weight: 535 kg (1,179 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × ADC Cirrus , 45 kW (60 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 140 km/h (87 mph, 76 kn)
- Range: 1,240 km (773 mi, 672 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 3,850 m (12,625 ft)
References
editNotes
editBibliography
edit- Nemecek, Vaclav (1986). The History of Soviet Aircraft from 1918. London: Willow Books. ISBN 0-00-218033-2.
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing.
External links
edit